Average salary in Vermont

The state of Vermont, known for its scenic beauty, is also known for its high cost of living. Whether you already live in Vermont or are considering a move, understanding the financial landscape can be helpful. 

Numerous sources rank Vermont as one of the more expensive states in the country to live in. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator ranks Vermont as the eighth most expensive state for a family of two adults and two children. Additionally, according to the Tax Foundation, Vermont has the sixth highest state and local tax burden in the country. Accordingly, we can expect the average salaries to match up with the high cost of living. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries? 

Average salary in Vermont by city 

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. Vermont’s own cities can vary in average salary; South Burlington commands more than $85,000, while Rutland’s average sits below $45,000.  

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.  

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the largest cities in Vermont, which you can find ranked by size below.  

Average salary in Vermont by county 

Reviewing average salaries in Vermont by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Vermont by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.  

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.  

Highest paying jobs in Vermont

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Vermont: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Vermont

What is the average salary in Vermont by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Vermont are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.

The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $49,375; householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $72,935; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $81,342; and those 65 and older have a median income of $52,312.

What is a ‘good’ salary in Vermont?
The definition of a ‘good’ salary depends on individual circumstances and the cost of living in the area. The median income in Vermont is $64,777, which can provide a comfortable lifestyle in some areas but may be insufficient in other areas with a higher cost of living.

What is the average salary in Vermont by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Vermont is $25.51.

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